David McClay, philanthropy manager of the University of Edinburgh library, has provided the following update to the campaign to save Charles Lyell’s notebooks.
“Thank you for your support or interest in the University of Edinburgh’s campaign to raise the funds to Save Charles Lyell’s notebooks.
“There have been some recent positive developments. First, the Export Bar which expires on 15th July will be extended to a final 15th October deadline. Second, we have confirmed with HMRC (the UK tax authority) and other parties that a Private Treaty Sale for the notebook collection has been agreed. By arranging for the tax to be removed from the sale we have reduced the purchase price from £1,444,000 to £966,000.
“With over 800 generous pledges and the University’s own contribution we have now raised over £610,000. The revised deadline and target make our ultimate success a very real possibility.
“I look forward to keeping you up to date with our progress. Should we be successful in saving Charles Lyell’s notebooks we will be undertaking an ambitious access project to ensure the collection is as freely available and appreciated as we and our collaborative partners can make it.”
For more information and to make a pledge, visit the University of Edinburgh’s website.